user-209-61939 Reviews

Poacher (2023– )

Shockingly amazing depiction of wildlife crimes

[8/10 · 28 February 2024]

This series is in spirits of Sherni movie by slow pacing of story. Great acting all the casts. The series feels were real as we watch through.

The original audio version makes the series more real and believable with different languages. Dubbed version will really take away the feel and intensity of wildlife crimes.

However, this series will not liked by many Indian watchers as they're not well versed in watching such shows for real issue. Maybe entertaining cut for mass audience will work to attract larger audience.

In one of the main posters, tusks are missing for the elephant. I wonder if it meant to depict that elephant can survive in the forest if they don't have them? Or that was just error by marketing/poster design team?

Such series are much required for the generations to come. Hope more such series are created.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

A musical biopic(-like) similar to Disney animations

[6/10 · 7 September 2018]

Right from the start till the end this movie is mostly narrated through musical performances. Very similar to Disney animation or live action movies. Its very similar that you would want double check whether it is produced by Disney Studios? Apart disney movies, musicals are released very less now. 'La La Land' was good one in recent musicals.

Circus performances coupled with VFX is splendid and good visuals. Cinema-photography and video editing was very well executed. All tracks are beautifully composed and synced perfectly to performances. Hugh Jackman has much of the screen time which is not surprising for the titular role. Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind deliver good performance for the role of legendary singer. Keala Settle as the bearded lady had good amount of screen time. She performed it very well. Rest of the casts were wonderful as well.

Overall a good family entertainer. Story is basic though influenced by real incidents. Has a happy ending following the drama of fire incident. Its pleasure to watch once and repeat watching is recommended only after a long break.

Arjun Reddy (2017)

Anger management to the extreme!

[7/10 · 5 June 2018]

Telugu cinemas are designed for keeping the audience glued to seat till the end. And if there is no comedy it's not entertaining. And the protagonist/hero has to fight off hundreds of antagonists/villains. If the movie has no happy ending then there will be less turn out in theaters second day after its release.

This movie tried to break above stereotypes except the happy-ending part which was quite predictable. Most movies in South India are trying to break the typical run-of-the-mill action-comedy love story flicks and looks like this is one of the rare movie made in Telugu language. Relatable to Kannada movie Kirik Party(2016), where the protagonist has transformation of his face from clean shaven to sporting beard and clean shaven at the end. Also the college rowdyism is somewhat similar.

As far as I counted there are 5 languages spoken in this movie: Telugu, Tulu, English, Kannada and Hindi. Since the college story takes place in Mangalore and the lead female character's family is from Mangalore, Tulu language is used in multiple occasions and maybe rare in Telugu movie to share good space for other languages. Most of the South Indian movies try to keep it strictly for one language.

On the locations used around Mangalore, the college building(red building) shown is actually a government run Arts, Commerce and Science college and so no medical course taught there. The girls hostel is probably a historical house behind the busy street of Jyothi circle. The house where Arjun and his friends stay is probably Summer Sands beach resort at Ullal.

As most reviewers wrote, can't agree on Arjun trying to control Preethi as a ignorant toy and Preethi loving Arjun just like that as he treated her when she got injured. He goes to extent of threatening juniors of staying away from building a relationship with her. Also initially kissing on cheek without her consent. Then after breakup with her when he is not able get permission from Preethi's father for their wedding, the character goes into path of self-destruction. This becomes highlight of the movie. At this stage, even though he is a successful doctor, he indulges in women, drugs and alcohol abuse.

The role of antagonist Amit is very short. Can't make out whether he is a localite(which is more likely) or North Indian because protagonist Arjun communicates with him in both Tulu and Hindi even though Arjun also knows Kannada and English. The second encounter was one long take and is very well done. If it was as claimed on film articles, done in a single take, then really a good acting demonstrated by all the actors in the scene. Also Vijay acting as Arjun spoke in three languages(i.e., Tulu, Telugu and Hindi) all in one take.

At the end it's just another Telugu movie based on love story minus the nonsensical action and comedy. The movie is 3 hours long but will keep you hooked. Expletives used on all the 5 languages used in this movie. And some bold themes and scenes. So not a family entertainers. This is an adult only entertainer.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Movie ending that was unexpected from the franchise? ... only if it is end. ;)

[8/10 · 19 May 2018]

This big movie franchise has captivated the attention of audiences world over. Been a fan of the series since the 1st Avengers movie. But was not fan of the 2015 movie Avengers: Age of Ultron as it was a regular charade of fighting of big bad villains.

This movie was quite different experience then its prequel. The big cast line up is amazing. Story was bit stretched in certain parts but at normal space mostly. Non-stop back to back plots keeps the interest in the movie.

Fate of most characters don't look good but the sequel will reveal the what really happened to them. :P Overall a good action movie for this summer.

Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017)

Just another love story. Ignore.

[4/10 · 10 September 2017]

Shooting in metro cities like Kolkata and Mumbai with local feel does not always result in successful drama flick. Especially if it concentrates only around love story.

Movie started with suicide but there is no clear conclusion on how the protagonist escapes suicide or was it just dream. The story just contains vision through his life of growing up to be corporate employee and then meaningless career as a pulp-fiction of horror genre writer and then facing "writer's block" for completing a love story which is based on the protagonist's life itself.

And then the closure protagonist is trying to create with his estranged childhood sweetheart, who is now married with a child, is drab and boring.

Can ignore this movie totally.

Bang Baaja Baaraat (2015– )

Modern take on flimsy relationships for Indian context

[6/10 · 11 March 2017]

This is one of mini-series available free online on you.

Series title bears similarity to a hit film but plot is entirely different. The 'bang' is probably referenced for the initial episode where character meet through online dating portal and then just have one-night stand with no commitments. Later they meet regularly and decide to continue relationship through marriage. And then all the hell loses like typical family Bollywood drama flick.

Like a typical Bollywood movie, this series includes high dose of humor and drama. Good to watch once.

Piper (2016)

Good refection on shorebird's behavior and magic of Disney.

[10/10 · 31 October 2016]

What you see in this short is what actually happens on shores where the waders(shorebirds) forage regularly. The adult bird is teaching it's offspring to forage for itself and the chick's attachment to it's mother was well-portrayed. The chick initially is skeptical of foraging along with saving itself from waves. But eventually masters technique, to pick up the clam shells, that is not known by its own kind.

The graphics is amazing and is very realistic. The animation technology is getting advanced each day and this one looks like a live-action adaptation.

Disney/Pixar animators are getting more creative with each movie. In this one, they have tried to understand and implement shorebird behavior. Hope they portray such behaviors in future animations with accurate facts instead of depicting only emotional or moral story.

Kendasampige (2015)

Crime without committing one ...

[7/10 · 16 September 2016]

This is one of the good movies that stand out in the crowd of usual commercial "masala" movies in recent times in Kannada film industry. Good mix of love, crime and corruption. The story looks like has been tried out before in some other similar movies. But this one is enjoyable with very good direction and camera work.

Starts with drug peddlers with a hot-pants wearing sultry women leading the gang(short-pants is just to distract audience). And then it continues with share of extortion from drug-peddlers encounter killing and raiding within police force. Later the story moves to a love story at different city. Then its roller-coaster ride by couples in love who are trying to save themselves from the hot pursuits by the police forces. But only problem is that two different set of officials within police force trying to track them - one with good intention and bad intention by other set.

The end is done on good note and don't want give more details on it. Almost three climax to the end though.

This Kannada movie deserves a good rating.

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)

This movie project is a bold attempt on a real issue regarding environmental problem and kudos to that.

[8/10 · 3 May 2016]

Not sure how much facts are real as depicted but I am convinced about message delivered in this documentary project.

Environmentalism is not only about fighting issues generally discussed by the big "corporate" environmental institutions. This film explores the bigger truth that's contributing to global warming often hushed by these organisations for the want of fund-raisers they target at. It's not about saying everything they do is for extortion as the "resourceful" rivals portray these organisations to stay out of their money making business in spite of exploiting natural resources. But the movie's concern remains on the biggest cause for most of the environmental problems the earth is facing currently and they are silent about because of less support they would get, that will in turn be difficult to run their projects with few backing them.

Also there is mentioning of large-scale fishing and its comparisons to wild animals on land. The ocean is like a huge national park with likes elephants, lions, deers, tortoise, etc. in form of whales, sharks, fishes, turtles, etc. and how multiples marine species are killed without protection in form of by-kill when wildlife on land are protected through some laws, national parks, reserves, etc.

This project is a bold attempt on a real issue regarding environmental problem and kudos to that.

The Imitation Game (2014)

An historical drama on the life of Alan Turing

[8/10 · 29 March 2015]

An historical drama on the life of Alan Turing, his achievement in breaking Enigma codes and his life struggles. His machine is one of inspirations behind today's modern computers, but sadly ended his own life because of yesteryear's' laws of Britain that punished people having "abnormal" sexual interests.

Benedict has done his role well for this movie especially the stammering parts. Drama is well scripted. The on screen chemistry between him and Keira is not supposed work out well as per the script and both have done well to prove that. That's odd challenge for actors.

I thought this was some old classical spy thriller and did not have the idea of this movie being based on true story. But I really enjoyed it. Anybody who has heard/read about Alan Turing or his Turing Machines or at least the Turing tests would definitely enjoy this movie.

This movie movie is worth the rating of 8/10.

Megamind (2010)

Very good animation movie with story told from antagonist side.

[7/10 · 21 January 2015]

I am very late watching this movie and loved this very much. Very good animation movie with story told from antagonist side.

The movie is about adorable villain cannot be more cuter than this apparently.

The movie is pun on Superman's story. Like in Superman story a alien baby is sent from home planet when it is getting destroyed. But also another planet from another planet is sent in similar fashion.

So the main character gets being labeled as savior of the town while the other gets into trouble always and determines to be bad.

Very enjoyable. Just watch it!

PK (2014)

The PK is not an abbreviation of India's neighboring country ...

[6/10 · 28 December 2014]

A funny experimental Hindi movie and a bold take on religious matter with an excuse as the protagonist who does not know the way of world and questions God with open mind and heart(it will be a debate "whether PK has a heart?" :P ).

Note: Hidden spoilers ahead.

First half-an-hour to hour or so is boring for me and only started taking interesting turn after scene where PK gives flashback from the prison. Maybe the initial scene at the desert could have been moved to the flashback story itself.

Funny at many parts and bit offending at mockery of religious belief if you think your religion is offended the most. But the creator of this movie have managed to balance criticizing of all known beliefs in India by the protagonist who does not belong to any religion (not even by birth!). But whatever you try do in artwork that contain religious elements people will get offended without even completely comprehending/watching and start complaining based on what others say. And so can't help much with appeal for banning the movie.

The mockery of white and black cloths and their difference in usage criteria for different cultures was extremely funny. PK's concept of middlemen/religious heads dialing "wrong number" to God was also funny. There is an awesome scene where PK brings people attired according different religion customs but was later revealed that each person do not belong to same religion according to the dress they have worn. These were in lighter notes and not that offending but some other humors will attempt get on to your nerve as the statements/acts made were very bold.

The role of Anushka Sharma is very boring to me along with her hot- pants, bob-cut, duck-lips and her complicated love story ending up with a love triangle. Can't help much with Indian movies here as there should be everything in a movie with tragedy, comedy, sci-fi, musicals, action, etc in one package and then it won't end without a love story. Therefore ending of movie with love-story was a yawn especially with a phone-call from Indian TV show to Pakistan embassy in Belgium and representative at the embassy recognizing Indian female in a snap. All dramatic and filmy. The songs did not add up much to story other than 'Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu' that too a little.

The 2012 movie 'OMG – Oh My God!' is better take on religious satirical comedy drama than this one. The song 'Mere Nishaan' from 'OMG – Oh My God!' has some similarity to song 'Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu' from 'PK'. The movie 'OMG – Oh My God!' is recommended watch for those who have not watched yet along with PK.

To conclude I will throw one open spoiler about the title( :P ). The PK is not an abbreviation of India's neighboring country but derived from the common question thrown to main character by others as 'Pee-Kay (aaye) ho?' meaning 'Are you drunk?' which he thinks that people call him as 'PK'. And there is bonus scence including Ranbir Kapoor. Does not add much to the story but dialogue between Amir and Ranbhir is very funny.

I am rating this movie as 3/5(or 6/10) meaning its worth watch but might have failed to make impression if it was not publicized as 'Amir Khan' movie.

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Stranger Than Fiction!!! I don't know but the movie is definitely strange

[6/10 · 26 December 2014]

Stranger Than Fiction!!! I don't know but the movie is definitely strange. This movie has hero, named Harold Crick, who hears narrator's narration and gets irritated. And so he hears narrator talking of his "imminent death". So he starts his quest to find who the narrator is, finally leading him to fiction writer 'Karen 'Kay' Eiffel' and asks her to stop killing him literally (well, literally in her writing which in turn kills him). At the end the writer changes the ending by not killing the protagonist and in turn saving real person. If she had kept the story intact as per her original outline she wrote it would have been a great piece work for stunning career according to a professor. Well what I have written here tells the plot in short. The good thing about the movie is that it tells audience to live life the fullest. That part may be the reason this movie has many positive criticism.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

A great movie to watch to the fans of Mega-Marvel franchise

[7/10 · 26 December 2014]

The Initial parts were not that interesting. But the story progressed in a very good way towards the end. The mega-franchise sequels is getting interesting with each of the movies. Hope for more superb sequels for this one as this as a cliff-hanger on the mid-credit bonus scene at the end which will keep the audience intrigued to watch the next sequel very eagerly.

The first Thor movie was not that good according to me as it looked like, along with Captain America, was done in preparation for the The Avengers Assemble movie. But this movie story moves independently continuing from that movie with only references to it.

On the whole a great movie to watch to the fans of Mega-Marvel franchise. (And also its comic book readers I guess since I would not know whether they would like it as I don't read those comics myself.)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Lot of stories in this one than its previous installment.

[7/10 · 26 December 2014]

Felt this was much better than first movie. Lot of stories in this one. Many parts are rather boring though. And watching the same spiderman in original storyline and after few years from Sam Raimi's version with twisted storyline is pretty lame to watch. If this was a series released after a decade or so, then it would have better. And story in Sam Raimi's version, though twisted and not close to original comic book storyline, was very much likable.

Personally did not like acting skills of Garfield. Don't think he has done well in scenes he as to engage with Emma Stone. Other scene were quite OK.

Wonder who is gonna be Mary Jane Watson would be in next installment? Online rumours hint on "Shailene Woodley" who was protagonist in the Divergent.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)

In this movie not one but two deaths have given importance.

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

Liked this animated feature film very much. It had all features of a normal or non-animated movie. It had action, drama, emotion and best of all had a very good ending.

The deaths in animation are rarity and given not much importance and usually of a villainous character. But in this movie not one but two deaths have given importance and has very good impact on the ending of the story.

Initially I had disregard about watching the movie as I was of opinion that the prequel was perfectly done and story had perfectly ended in it and this sequel was just commercials. But after watching it my opinion was changed.

The Double (2013)

Its pretty difficult to determine the time and age of story.

[7/10 · 26 December 2014]

Re-doing of a classic dopple-ganger story by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Backgound music/sound is haunting and classic throughout. Its basically about getting back control of life stolen by his dopple- ganger by a timid person. Enjoyable for people who like drama movies that makes audience think after watching. Ending may not be likable for all.

Its pretty difficult to determine the time and age of story. The original novel was written in 19 century(1846) but the movie is setup in kinda 20th century. The dressing is in 1950s style. Then there are old dialer phones instead of cell-phones. The computers and printers are meant only for big government organisations where the number of prints are taken by turning knob dial instead issuing command from computers. The computer looks like early generation big machine with small prompt console. Then there is color TV ad on 1990's style which also shows lady taking output of data-processed charts which looks very mordern or recent ones available after 1995 or 2000. So its pretty mind-boggling if look for these details but these are actually trivial matters to the story. The story is basically set in an alternate dystopian world framed by the movie-makers out of their creative imaginations.

Interstellar (2014)

You will have cope with certain Physics mumbo-jumbo ...

[6/10 · 26 December 2014]

Being a movie by Christoper Nolan you can expect a movie to be long and dull paced. And he would never endorse 3D. Still his Inception movie was visually stunning and appealing inspite of not having the 3D.

Coming to this movie, this could have been improved a lot in terms of visual effects and could have implemented 3D. But since it is a movie with long duration it is good that this one was without 3D.

What makes you sit through entire movie is story that gets interesting with each minute. You will have cope with certain Physics mumbo-jumbo terms which would be difficult to concentrate on and would wish you remote control in theater seek back and forth.

The recent best "space" themed movie was Gravity and if its still playing in your town watch that instead of this. Though the story concept is different you would be better off watching that than this one. This movie was watchable and enjoyable but I feel it won't be worth for what you pay for.

Up in the Air (I) (2009)

A well done drama.

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

A well done drama.

A frantic air traveler(for his work and business, I mean) and his job to fire people.

It gets him lose his family attachment but has to cope with his sister's marriage where he gets to meet all his estranged siblings.

He also has to tackle about his affair with another frequent flier.

And then he is getting grounded for this job to welcome the system where online transition-counseling would be used meaning new people for this profession do not need to be a frequent flier across the country. So hunter becomes victim of his own game.

Life of Pi (2012)

The story starts with the boy searching for God through various religions.

[9/10 · 26 December 2014]

The movie has to be awed for its visual brilliance and spectacular 3D effects. Some fast movement of tiger are not well done and looks like a cheap and sloppy animation. Otherwise watching tiger on screen is just a fantastic and spiritual experience and feeling the majestic beast, like, so close.

At start of the movie there are some good 3D treat with great depth involved for some immersive experience especially with lots of animals. Some birds flying and a monitor lizard swiveling its head left and right gives a amazing close-up experience and tempts you to touch them. There is a scene in Piscine Molitor swimming pool of France, where camera is facing the clear blue sky. But suddenly a swimmer swims across and then we realize it is shot from inside the swimming pool. That scene is amazing. When Pi Patel is thrown off the lifeboat and he is inside the ocean drowning a bit he sees the sinking ship. Watching the sinking ship at far end with Pi watching in middle of the screen makes you believe as if you are watching the sinking ship along with him. There are still more amazing scenes which cannot be explained like the arrival of school of flying fishes, the poisonous pool at night on the mysterious floating island, etc.

The story starts with the boy searching for God through various religions. He survives the shipwreck and drifts lonely into the sea, albeit sharing lifeboat along with a zebra, orangutan, hyena and the fearsome Bengal tiger. This takes audience to a marvelous journey of boy's survival on the sea with the company of a tiger. But ends with boy revealing disturbing events that (really supposed to have)occurred on the lifeboat with no animals involved.

I assume that the theme of believing in God in the movie, is implied by saying that the boy must have miraculously survived against all odds in the huge Pacific ocean for 200+ days.

On the whole watching this movie is a magical experience and do not miss till you have chance to watch it in 3D format in theaters and better chose the middle seat on last row for some most enjoyable 3D experience.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The book is split into three parts which looks like each page is explained in each of those movies.

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

This is a prequel "Lord of the Ring" series and supposed to be fresh for anyone to digest the story. Though I do not remember story of "Lord of the Ring: The Fellowship of the Ring" which I watched long back when I was a high-school-er, I must say this movie fun to watch even for those who are new to the series. But there are some parts that are confusing and are meant for fans only.

This film is adapted is from 350+ paged book titled "The Hobbit"(1937). But the book is split into three parts which looks like each page is explained in each of those movies. Therefore there are two more sequels that will follow movie that will explain the fate of the Smaug the dragon among other things.

There are some good sense-of-humour employed here(mostly in first half of the movie) and some 3D delights. Particular in the ending climax there is a scene where burning pine tree nuts are thrown at Wargs(huge- wolf like creatures ridden by Orcs). One of nut is felt like thrown right at audiences' eyes and I almost felt blinded for a second or so, and also felt like the fire's cinder has entered my eyes for real. That experience was terrific. There are other well done scenes such as huge- eagles/flies/butterflies flying right into audience chairs, distance mountain view, fighting of stone giants, etc. But the upsetting thing is that second half of the story is mostly dark and sometimes uncomfortable for 3D viewing.

Lucy (I) (2014)

A thrilling and entertaining science fiction movie about expanding intellectual capability of the brain!

[7/10 · 26 December 2014]

A very thrilling and entertaining science fiction fantasy movie about expanding intellectual capability of the brain. Concept is similar to 2011 movie Limitless. In Limitless movie its about a nootropic drug labeled NZT-48 which is just like the real-life modafinil (sold as ProVigil tablets) drug and was only limited about being able to think much much better after having the drug. This movie is about accidental injection of synthetic CPH4 drug into protagonist's body which is thought to be found in 6-week pregnant female to give metabolism capacity to infants on the womb and after birth. Not sure whether drugs produced naturally by pregnant female as there are lots of debate on the topic online(thought to be 6-carboxytetrahydropterin synthase or CPH4 synthase), but movie took the capacity of the drug to abnormal molecular level and makes it entertaining to watch. Lots of good visuals included and the best parts are kept for last with a time travel feature.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Expectations for this third installment just got ruined ...

[6/10 · 26 December 2014]

Keeping lot of expectation for this third installment just got ruined. Maybe following the book and movie religiously would have helped instead of casually watching the movie and complaining about it.

Over that this movie adaptation contains love story between Kili and Tauriel which is just invented for this movie adaptation and then their love gets finished just for sake of terminating the Tauriel character. Most of the scenes are slow unnecessarily and some scenes are fast like "when you blink you miss it"!

The story is written right but this movie is not done well. Graphics looks cheap in some cases. The Great Eagles swooping in first movie was impressive but in this movie it don't make much impact for viewers.

And then the movie in the end just tries to conclude as a bridge to watch "The Lord of the Rings" series. Also I have not yet watched "The Lord of the Rings" series yet so it will be difficult to get the meaning of those conclusions.